How to Change the Fuel Filter on an RX-7

by Grace Mclain

The fuel filter on the Mazda RX-7 model vehicles is an in-line filter that is responsible for keeping impurities from reaching the engine. The impurities can include small particles of trash and debris from the gas. Once the gas leaves the gas tank, it travels into the fuel lines. The gas then flows through the fuel filter. Once the gas is inside of the filter, the fibers that make up the inside of the filter trap and hold impurities. The clean gas then flows to the engine.

Step 1

Park the Mazda RX-7 in a safe and well ventilated location and set the parking brake.

Step 2

Unscrew the fuel cap from the fuel tank to release the gas pressure off of the fuel filter.

Step 3

Jack up the rear of the Mazda RX-7 and set the jack stands under the designated jacking points on both sides of the car. Lower the jack slowly so that the rear of the RX-7 is sitting securely on top of the stands. Leave the jack sitting in the up-right position as an extra safety precaution.

Step 4

Crawl under the rear passenger side of the car and remove the two floor plates from both sides of the rear differential. The differential is above the gas tank. The floor plates are secured by 10 mm bolts. Unscrew the bolts with the ratchet, extension and a 10 mm socket.

Step 5

Pull the floor plates down and set them aside. The fuel filter can now be accessed easier. Locate the two mounting bolts on the bottom of the fuel filter bracket. Loosen and remove the two bolts with the ratchet and a 10 mm socket.

Step 6

Reach up and pull the fuel filter down enough to be able to access the clamps that secure the fuel lines to both sides of the fuel filter. Release both clamps by squeezing them together with the pliers and sliding the clamps about two to three inches back onto the fuel lines.

Step 7

Twist and pull out on the fuel lines at the same time to remove the fuel lines from both sides of the fuel filter. If the lines are stuck, use the pliers to twist and pull out on the fuel lines until the lines are free from the fuel filter. Pull the fuel filter out and discard into the catch pan.

Step 8

Push the fuel lines back onto both sides of the fuel filter. Slide the clamps back over the ends of the fuel lines with the pliers.

Step 9

Position the new fuel filter with bracket back up to the area of the old filter. Line up the bracket holes and screw the two mounting bolts back through the fuel filter bracket. Tighten the bolts with the ratchet and 10 mm socket.

Step 10

Screw the fuel cap back onto the fuel tank. Move to the driver seat and turn the ignition to the accessory position for about five seconds and then back off. Repeat this three times to properly prime the new fuel filter with gas. Crank the engine and inspect the new filter for leaks with the engine running. Turn the engine off.

Step 11

Reinstall the floor plates below the fuel filter with the 10 mm bolts. Tighten the bolts tightly with the ratchet and socket.

Jack the rear of the Mazda RX-7 back up and remove the safety stands. Lower the car back to the ground.

References

About the Author

Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.